Adoption of Building Information Modeling (BIM) in the Philippines’ AEC Industry: Prospects, Issues, and Challenges

Abstract

Building Information Modeling (BIM) is a modern approach and process used in the architecture, engineering, and construction (AE&C) industry that enhances planning, design, and construction of facilities. In fact, BIM is considered one of the most promising advancements in the AE&C industry. Its usage in other countries has become prevalent and the benefits are remarkable in terms of reduction of time, cost, and material wastage. The Philippines, on the other hand, has been exposed to the BIM concept; however, it is not widely used nor has it been utilized to leverage the benefits of achieving an effective and efficient construction management process. In this study, the prospects and benefits of the use of BIM along with its challenges and acceptance in the Philippine construction industry were identified. The benefits and challenges of using BIM to attain Lean Construction along with the roadblocks, constraints, and issues of its implementation in the Philippine construction industry were analyzed and evaluated. The result of the study can be used as a benchmark to initiate awareness for users and potential users who are directly involved in the construction industry of the benefits of BIM in achieving leaner construction. Results show that only one-third of the respondents are BIM users and about the same percentage are not aware of the concepts of BIM. BIM users are confident that when adopted correctly, BIM facilitates more integrated design and construction processes of lean construction that result in better quality buildings, lower costs, and reduced project durations. The high cost of BIM related software, the lack of skilled BIM operators, and contentment with the use of current software (CAD) are considered the top reasons that could possibly prevent a full BIM implementation in the Philippine construction industry.